Winery & Vineyard Sustainability
In honor of Earth Day, Linganore hosts an annual 5K hike around the perimeter of the property. We travel through the forest and throughout the vineyards, stopping at several scenic points along the way to talk about our sustainability efforts at the winery and in the vineyard.
For the past few years, these walking tours have been led by me, Rachel Smith, Assistant Winemaker, and our Assistant Vineyard Manager, Brandon Wastler, who brings over 10 years of experience in Virginia and Maryland vineyards.
Scenic Stop at Petit Verdot Vineyard
Our first stop along the way is adjacent to our Petit Verdot vineyard, the highest point on the 230-acre property. While we overlook the farm and the views to the west, I summarize many of the sustainable efforts Linganore has made over the years.
Some of these initiatives are commonsense and were relatively easy to implement. For example, we collect water from our bottling line to reuse for vineyard applications.
The installation of skylights in our grape processing room was another very sensible upgrade. In 2011, a severe storm partially tore off the building’s roof, but instead of dwelling on the loss, the Aellen family noticed the amount of natural light beaming in from the holes in the ceiling and decided that installing skylights in the new roof was the obvious choice. Because of this simple improvement, we only ever need to use the overhead lights in the processing room on especially overcast days. The Aellens have also decided to include several skylights in the new office building, which is currently under construction, and will likely choose to do the same in the upcoming brewery.
Sustainable Packaging and Recycling Efforts 
As far as wine packaging goes, Linganore has prioritized sourcing lightweight, economical glass for most of our production. This means we can further reduce our carbon footprint by requiring less fossil fuel consumption when the empty glassware is shipped to us, and then again when we ship our full cases to the distributors. Additionally, Linganore has made the switch from using cork closures to screwcap closures for many of our wines. The screwcaps vs. cork debate is ongoing and circumstantial, however, the benefits of screwcaps are convincing. In short, the screw-capped wines are less likely to exhibit a wine flaw called “TCA,” the aluminum is sourced closer to home, and it is recyclable.
Like any production facility, Linganore uses a lot of industrial-sized plastic wrap to secure our wine on pallets for storage and transportation. To mitigate this use of single-use plastic, instead of sending the used plastic to a landfill, we send it to a company called Trex, who uses it to make composite wood decking materials.
Solar Power and Electric Initiatives
In 2012, Linganore received a federal grant to install a solar tracker that supplies energy to two universal electric vehicle chargers, which are available for public use free of charge. A decade later, just weeks before Earth Day in 2022, Linganore installed approximately 750 additional solar panels—enough to produce more than 100% of the winery’s annual electricity needs. Four Tesla vehicle chargers, powered by the new solar array, were also installed and are available for public use at no cost. Building on that significant upgrade, in 2024 Linganore acquired two electric tractors—also partially funded by a federal grant—and applied for additional grants to purchase electric ATVs, which are still pending.
Innovative Vineyard Sustainability Practices
Additionally, Linganore continues to expand its Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Recently, our vineyard managers learned that while birds are attracted to the glucose in ripened grapes, they are not attracted to sucrose, commonly known as cane sugar. So, when the grapes are nearing full maturity, we begin spraying dissolved sugar directly on them to deter the birds. Our vineyard managers also spray liquefied kaolin clay on the vines to prevent sunburn, deter insects, and mitigate fungal pressure. This year they plan to spread pulverized crustacean shell material on the ground as mulch for the vines, to reduce the risk of downy mildew. Another example of recent innovation in our vineyards has been the addition of several houses for bats and birds of prey, such as barn owls and a small falcon called the American kestrel. The idea behind this is that if we encourage natural predators to maintain a presence in the vineyards, that will help to reduce our pest populations and ultimately preserve a balanced ecosystem.
We hope you’ll join us next year at Linganore Winecellars to celebrate Earth Day with a fun and laid-back hike. It’s a chance to explore the land, enjoy the scenery, and learn firsthand how we’re working to make our vineyard and winery more sustainable—from solar power and innovative vineyard practices to supporting local wildlife.
Whether it’s reusing water, managing pests naturally, or recycling production materials, we believe that small, thoughtful changes can lead to lasting, meaningful impact. Earth Day is a reminder that sustainability is a journey, and we’re proud to share ours with you.
Rachel Smith, Assistant Winemaker at Linganore Winecellars
My winemaking journey began in 2017. I was living in Philadelphia and working at a small winery in the Outer Coastal Plains AVA of New Jersey. On that 8 acre vineyard, I participated in every step of the process, from pruning vines to bottling finished wines. Then, in the Summer of 2020, I landed a job with Linganore as the Harvest Intern. So, I moved home to Maryland and planted new roots in Frederick. What I found here was an exciting, lively community, cultivated by knowledgeable and yet, unpretentious professionals. In Fall of 2024, with Linganore’s support, I completed a winemaking certificate program from Cornell University. As any education goes, learning to be a better winemaker is certainly a lifelong venture. In the end, it’s really the camaraderie and mentorship I’ve been so fortunate to receive, making this winemaker’s life all the more fulfilling.
